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Data 2018: Telecoms and Media Analysis

January 2018

This section identifies 485 leading lawyers from 297 law firms worldwide who are highlighted for their expertise in the field of telecommunications and media. Those identified boast extensive experience advising on a vast array of transactional and regulatory matters affecting large and small corporations in the sector.

The practitioners listed in this year’s guide are spread across 64 countries, with those based in Europe comprising more than 50 per cent of the total listings. Leading international law firm Bird & Bird boasts a particularly strong presence, with 13 practitioners based across Europe and Asia recognised as leading experts in the field. Baker McKenzie and CMS also demonstrate strength in the telecoms and media sector, achieving an impressive 11 nominations each.

The Thought Leaders are those individuals who received the highest number of nominations from peers, corporate counsel and other market sources this year. Our research has identified them as truly outstanding practitioners and the very best in their field.

LEADING FIRMS

Who's Who Legal does not list law firms, only individual lawyers. The leading firms are those in each region whose listed practitioners received the most total nominations in our research.

International powerhouse BIRD & BIRD is renowned for its extensive telecommunications and media practice. This year the firm once again tops our listings, achieving nine nominations from within its European offices.
The “excellent” Sven-Erik Heun is a renowned communications and IT expert who is “highly recommended” by peers for his telecoms expertise. He is highlighted for his vast experience providing regulatory and strategic advice on complex projects and transactions.Graeme Maguire boasts an excellent reputation in the market thanks to many years handling a broad range of technology, outsourcing and communications matters.
With more than 30 years’ experience Marjolein Geus is a long-standing fixture in the market, impressing commentators with her skilful handling of a variety of contentious and non-contentious issues in the communications sphere.Benoit Van Asbroeck is leading technology, communications and media specialist who is greatly valued by clients for his understanding of the fine nuances of negotiating high-value TMT contracts.
In France, Frédérique Dupuis-Toubol is a well-known name in the market thanks to her considerable expertise in telecoms regulation.

CMS CAMERON MCKENNA NABARRO OLSWANG also boasts a strong presence in the sector, seeing eight leading practitioners from across Europe nominated for inclusion.
Thought leader Christopher Watson heads the firm’s technology, media and communications practice. He is described by one impressed peer as “top in the telecoms sector”.
With more than 20 years of experience, Blanca Escribano is one of the leading names in the TMT space. She is particularly well known for her strong advisory practice in cases with a pan-European or Latin-American aspect.John Enser advises on a wide range of commercial and regulatory matters for high-profile multinational companies across the technology, media and communications sectors.Clive Gringras is widely considered an authority on contentious technology-related issues. He receives wide-ranging endorsements for his proficiency handling complex cross-border transactions.

Independent law firm SKW SCHWARZ is at the forefront of the technology movement in Germany, and sees six leading telecoms and media specialists highlighted by our research this year.Matthias Nordmann boasts long-standing experience advising national and international clients in the media and technology sectors on a range of corporate and contractual matters.
The “exceptional” Stefan Schicker is a giant in the technology sector who receives countless recommendations for his far-reaching expertise.Mathias Schwarz is renowned for his work in the media space, receiving commendations from peers for his excellent work advising on a range of matters from film and TV productions, media licensing and financing.Andreas Peschel-Mehner has built up an impressive media practice earning him a reputation as a leading lawyer in the space.

Six practitioners are recommended from leading European firm NOERR in this year’s edition.
The “outstanding” Peter Bräutigam is a thought leader who impresses with his flawless knowledge of media and Internet law and vast experience in the space.Johannes Kreile is a top name in the media sector who stands out for his fantastic work advising prominent clients across the television and film industries.
The “extensively experienced” Daniel Rücker is a prominent name in the German market. He is described as “excellent” thanks to his strong body of work in the telecommunications sector.

Three leading practitioners from PREISKEL & CO are also recognised by this year’s research.Daniel Preiskel has more than 20 years’ experience working in the TMT area and is widely regarded as a leading expert on regulatory matters in the telecoms industry.Ronnie Preiskel is “a prominent player in the tech space” who has long-standing experience representing recognisable brands such as British Telecoms and Vodafone.Timothy Cowen is also highlighted for his superb work on an array of noteworthy mergers and joint venture cases in the telecommunications sector.

Premier Italian law firm PORTOLANO CAVALLO STUDIO LEGALE is prominent in the market, with media work at the core of their practice. This year two leading practitioners have been recognised for their outstanding work in the area.Francesco Portolano is an M&A specialist who draws praise for his first-class work advising US clients acquiring Italian companies in the TMT sector.Ernesto Apa is a leading figure in the media sector who impresses international commentators with the depth of his experience. He frequently advises companies in the television industry on sophisticated regulatory and contractual issues.

Full-service law firm KENNEDY VAN DER LAAN also achieves two listings this year.Patrick Wit is a distinguished practitioner who continues to be recognised for his outstanding work in commercial and compliance matters within the telecoms and IT sectors.Alfred Meijboom is “a strong all-round lawyer” whose extensive intellectual property experience means that he is a standout name in the media sphere.

PINSENT MASONS see practitioners from their London and Paris offices highlighted for their work in the field.Diane Mullenex is “top for telecoms in Europe” according to one impressed source, thanks to her market-leading practice focusing on complex cross-border matters in the sector.Frédéric Ichay is a corporate specialist who boasts extensive experience advising on international mergers and acquisitions in the communications sector.

HEUKING KÜHN LÜER WOJTEK sees two pre-eminent telecoms and media experts nominated.Michael Schmittmann enjoys a strong reputation in the market and is lauded as one of Germany’s leading TMT specialists.Dirk Stolz draws praise from international sources who consider him a top expert in telecommunications, IT and media law.

Leading Swiss firm WALDER WYSS also achieves an impressive two listings.Jürg Schneider is “highly recommended” by peers as one of Switzerland’s top media and communications experts. He is also recognised for his work in the fields of data protection and information security.Hans Rudolf Trüeb draws praise from commentators for his first-rate practice advising domestic and foreign clients on complex technology-related transactions.

OTHER LEADING INDIVIDUALS

We highlight individuals at other firms who also scored very highly in our research.

Austria

Stephan Polster at BECKER GÜNTHER POLSTER REGNER RECHTSANWALTE is a top-tier regulatory expert who is commended for his excellent work in the communications sector.

Axel Anderl at DORDA RECHTSANWÄLTE is a skilled practitioner who receives plaudits for his superb work litigating in complex media disputes.

Belgium

Steven De Schrijverat ASTREA ADVOCATEN ranks among the very elite of practitioners in our research and is “highly recommended” for his cutting-edge knowledge of mobile telecommunications and e-commerce matters.

Bulgaria

At DIMITROV PETROV & CO, George Dimitrov is a truly eminent practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience. One impressed source effuses: “His expertise in IT law is recognised worldwide.”

Czech Republic

Richard Otevrel at HAVEL HOLÁSEK & PARTNERS receives high praise from respondents for his extensive experience dealing with complex regulatory questions in the telecommunication sector.

Denmark

Michael Hopp at PLESNER ADVOKATPARTNERSELSKAB is widely respected as a TMT specialist. His broad practice covers a range of matters from IT and outsourcing to data protection.

England

Richard Kemp at KEMP IT LAW has more than 30 years’ experience in the field, and stands out for his adept handling of complex legal issues surrounding technology development, deployment and regulation.

Robert Bratby at ARNOLD & PORTER KAYE SCHOLER is held in high regard by commentators who are impressed by his world-class advisory practice in the TMT sector.

Christopher Millard at BRISTOWS is a top-tier practitioner who is frequently sought after to advise notable clients in the telecoms and media sectors.

Colin Long at LONG CONSULTING is a long-standing fixture in the market thanks to his 35 years of experience in the telecoms sector. Sources consider him a specialist who is particularly strong when it comes to fixed and mobile network projects.

Tony Ballard at HARBOTTLE & LEWIS receives widespread recognition for his expertise in all matters relating to broadcasting and telecommunications law.

Germany

Thomas Tschentscher of FRESHFIELDS BRUCKHAUS DERINGER wins international recognition from peers who consider him "one of the very best telecoms lawyers in Germany".

Finland

Samuli Simojoki at BORENIUS ATTORNEYS is described as “an exceptional media lawyer” by one international commentator. He is widely recognised as a leading expert when it comes to transactions in the media and technology fields.

France

Bradley Joslove at FRANKLIN ranks among the very elite of practitioners in our research and comes “highly recommended” by sources thanks to his strong work advising major players in the TMT sector.

Ireland

Philip Nolan of MASON HAYES & CURRAN is “a top lawyer” according to impressed sources, who admire him for his work supporting some of the world’s most recognisable technology giants.

Italy

Fabrizio Cugia di Sant'Orsola at CUGIA CUOMO & ASSOCIATI boasts tremendous knowledge of EU policy in the telecommunications sector, and has participated in some of Italy’s most notable transactions in this space.

Belén Arribas Sánchez at MILINERS ABOGADOS Y ASESORES TRIBUTARIOS leads the firm’s IT practice. She is widely respected by clients who highlight the way she applies her expert knowledge to complex international transactions.

Almudena Arpón de Mendívil y Aldama at GÓMEZ-ACEBO & POMBO has a diverse practice and is particularly well known for her role handling major deals in the telecommunications, media and broadcasting areas.

Sweden

Jörgen Axelsson at SETTERWALLS boasts more than 20 years’ experience in the field, and draws high praise for his work on key projects in the telecoms sector both in Sweden and abroad.

Eva Fredrikson at ADVOKATFIRMAN VINGE is a leading figure in the TMT sector who is known for her “great knowledge” of the fine nuances of complex commercial agreements.

Switzerland

Rolf Auf der Maur at VISCHER is “an exceptional media lawyer” who is internationally regarded as a leading figure in the space.

Clara-Ann Gordon at NIEDERER KRAFT & FREY is a thought leader and widely regarded as one of the foremost practitioners in the region. She is highly recommended for her “excellent regulatory telecoms work”.

Lukas Morscherat LENZ & STAEHELIN is “a corporate law genius” who has participated in some of Switzerland’s biggest transactions in the TMT sector.

Georg Rauber at HOMBURGER heads up the firm’s IP and IT practice groups and is widely recognised for his first-class representation of clients in litigation and arbitration proceedings.

Michele Bernasconi at BÄR & KARRER is highlighted for his extensive experience advising on regulatory and antitrust matters in the telecoms and sports sectors. He is also recognised as a seasoned litigator, representing domestic and international clients in a range of complex proceedings.

Turkey

Tolga Ismen at ISMEN LAW FIRM draws effusive praise from commentators for his “technical expertise, superb negotiation skills and excellent manner with clients”.

North America

Thought Leaders

1. Robert Stankey

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Washington DC

2. Lorne Salzman

Lorne Salzman Law Office, Toronto

3. Henry Levine

Levine Blaszak Block & Boothby LLP, Washington DC

4. Hank Intven

McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Vancouver

5. D E Boehling

Levine Blaszak Block & Boothby LLP, Washington DC

LEADING FIRMS

WILKINSON BARKER KNAUER has been a key player in the communications space for more than 30 years and this year sees five leading experts highlighted for their expertise.Kenneth Satten oversees the firm’s media practice and receives praise for his strong expertise in mass media and telecoms matters. He is particularly well regarded for his work with broadcasting station groups.Cheryl Tritt is the go-to practitioner for many major companies in the communications space thanks to her expert knowledge of US regulatory processes.Bryan Tramont is also a key figure in the space who is a favourite of both large and small telecommunications and media companies thanks to his direct approach.

Communications and technology specialist firm LEVINE BLASZAK BLOCK & BOOTHBY is home to four pre-eminent practitioners.
Thought leader Henry Levine stands out as one of the foremost practitioners in the region. According to sources, he is an expert when it comes to negotiating major contracts for clients in the telecommunications sector.D E Boehling receives widespread recognition for her 25 years of experience advising prominent brands in the telecommunications sector on wired and wireless telecoms and technology agreements.Colleen Boothby is a real authority on complex telecommunications issues thanks to a decade of experience acting as legal adviser within the Federal Communications Commission.Andrew Brown is a distinguished practitioner with a wealth of experience in the sector. He is frequently called upon to offer strategic advice on the acquisition of telecommunication products and services.

Canadian law firm MCCARTHY TÉTRAULT also achieves four listings in this chapter.
Thought leader Hank Intven stands out as a key name in the field of telecommunications and broadcasting thanks to his impeccable regulatory know-how and 30 years’ experience in the space.
The “excellent” Charles Morgan has extensive international experience in the telecommunications sector and boasts a great reputation as “an outstanding negotiator”.Peter Grant is a well-established figure in the market who is considered one of the best in the Canadian communications law field.Grant Buchanan is widely recommended for his first-class work in relation to regulation in the telecoms sector.

OTHER LEADING INDIVIDUALS

Canada

Lorne Salzman of LORNE SALZMAN LAW OFFICE is internationally recognised as a leader in the field, and stands out for his strong regulatory expertise in the telecoms sector.

Sunny Handa at BLAKE CASSELS & GRAYDON is highly sought after for his superb strategic mind, with one source effusing, “He is head and shoulders above the rest.”

“Superb lawyer” Peter Ruby at GOODMANS is described as “a top litigator” by sources who praise him for his extensive experience in the IT and telecoms sectors.

Laurence Dunbar at FASKEN MARTINEAU DUMOULIN is “a leading telecoms expert” according to impressed peers, thanks to his impressive understanding of complex regulatory matters.

USA

Robert Stankey at DAVIS WRIGHT TREMAINE is a top TMT lawyer who receives accolades for his deep-seated knowledge of privacy and telecoms regulation across the US, Asia and Europe.

Alan Sutin of GREENBERG TRAURIG is renowned as a top name in the region. He stands out for his excellent work advising clients in connection with major transactions relating to technology-related products and services.

David Gross at WILEY REIN wins widespread praise from peers who consider him one of the leading authorities when it comes to international telecommunications and Internet policies.

Barry Benjamin of KILPATRICK TOWNSEND & STOCKTON is a leading name in the market who is highlighted by peers for his vast expertise advising on traditional and digital media issues.

Rest of the World

Thought Leaders

1. Paulo Marcos Rodrigues Brancher

Azevedo Sette Advogados, São Paulo

2. Sajai Singh

J Sagar Associates, Bangalore

3. Rahul Matthan

Trilegal, Bangalore

LEADING FIRMS

BIRD & BIRD also excels outside of Europe, with an impressive three listings from offices across Hong Kong, Australia and Singapore.Michelle Chan has more than 17 years’ experience advising prominent clients in Asia on corporate, commercial and regulatory matters relating to the TMT sector.Shane Barber is commended by peers for his “excellent work in the telecoms sector”, regularly advising two of Australia’s leading telecommunications carriers on their business needs.Alexander Shepherd is highly visible in the market and stands out for his experience handling complex regulatory and commercial issues in the technology and communications sectors.

Brazilian law firm AZEVEDO SETTE ADVOGADOS sees two practitioners highlighted for their expertise.Paulo Marcos Rodrigues Brancher boasts longstanding experience advising global corporations in a range of telecoms matters and is highly respected by peers and clients alike.Ricardo Barretto Ferreira da Silva is “a true specialist” who impresses peers with his vast experience securing major deals in the TMT space.

In South Africa, two prominent experts are recognised from leading specialist corporate law firm MICHALSONS ATTORNEYS.
Clients are consistently impressed by the way Sarah Buerger is able to “explain complex issues in a simple, straightforward way”, and how she “always goes above and beyond to satisfy her clients”.Nicholas Hall is “a highly knowledgeable practitioner” who wins praise from sources across the board who highlight his “superb attention to detail and extensive expertise within the digital content production sector”.

WEBB HENDERSON is home to two of the top telecommunications and media specialists in the Asia-Pacific region.Ara Margossian is “really strong in the TMT space” according to impressed sources, thanks to his proven track record handling complex transactions across Australia, Asia and the Middle East.Angus Henderson is singled out for his 20 years’ experience advising major corporations in the telecommunications sector on complex regulatory issues and transactions.

MATTOS FILHO VEIGA FILHO MARREY JR E QUIROGA ADVOGADOS is another strong player in the market, with two specialists selected for inclusion.Thiago Luís Sombra is internationally recognised as a TMT specialist who “brings together his practical experience and academic skills to implement innovative solutions”.Fabio Kujawski is renowned as a key name in the space. He is a favourite among clients who appreciate his “strong communication skills and insightful knowledge”.

OTHER LEADING INDIVIDUALS

Argentina

Marcelo Bombau at M & M BOMCHIL is highly sought after by major media companies thanks to his expertise when it comes to the negotiation of corporate sales transactions.

Australia

Peter Waters at GILBERT + TOBIN is a regulatory and competition law expert who receives high praise from commentators for his work in the telecoms and IT sectors.

Hong Kong

At SQUIRE PATTON BOGGSNicholas Chan “is well known for his commercial advice, proactive input and fast turnaround time”.

India

Sajai Singh at J SAGAR ASSOCIATES is lauded as “one of India’s best lawyers” by one impressed commentator thanks to his 25 years of transactional experience in the sector.

At TRILEGAL, Rahul Matthan draws high praise from sources for his strong sector-related expertise, and is renowned for his top-tier work handling some of the country’s largest TMT transactions.

Takashi Nakazaki at ANDERSON MORI & TOMOTSUNE boasts extensive IT and telecommunications experience and regularly advises companies on a range of matters including telecom regulations, platform services and domain name disputes.

Mexico

Clara Luz Álvarez at BUFETE QUIJANO “is widely accredited as an outstanding professional” according to one impressed commentator, who adds that she is “a fountain of knowledge in the field”.

New Zealand

Malcolm Webb of M WEBB is a top media and telecoms lawyer who frequently advises clients on an array of complex transactions with a technology dimension.

Singapore

Joyce Tan at JOYCE A TAN & PARTNERS is a specialist when it comes to negotiating sophisticated cross-border transactions. She is also highlighted for her extensive regulatory expertise.

South Africa

Justine White at MKHABELA HUNTLEY ADEKEYE is a key figure in the broadcasting space who draws effusive recommendations from peers thanks to her vast knowledge of media law.

Lisa Thornton at LISA THORNTON INC is noted for her well-established IT regulation practice as well as her expert handling of complex contractual disputes.

United Arab Emirates

Andrew Fawcett at AL TAMIMI & COMPANY is “an outstanding telecommunications lawyer” who boasts significant experience advising companies on complex contractual issues in relation to the launch of new platforms and services.

Nominees have been selected based upon comprehensive, independent survey work with both general counsel and private practice lawyers worldwide. Only specialists who have met independent international research criteria are listed.